Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome in the national team if the veteran decides to return, following the captain’s departure from the squad during the recent Nations League window.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward left the camp after being an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo, who holds world records with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, later posted on social media: “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, addressed the situation after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway that secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals. “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said. “We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.”
He added: “Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it. In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you’. And now I’m saying the same thing.”
Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening 1-0 win over Wales but was left on the bench against Norway, where he warmed up without being introduced. It was the first time he had been an unused substitute in a competitive match for his country since 2008. When Jesus confirmed he would also not start against Denmark, Ronaldo left the camp.
Portugal host Denmark on November 14 and visit Wales three days later. With Ronaldo absent, Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three of his starts.
Defender Joao Cancelo said after the Norway win: “Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had. Things will certainly end in the best way [with him] but the important thing is the four victories.”
Left-back Nuno Mendes added: “Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms.”
Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles during his international career.
